Travelers arriving at Portland International Airport (PDX) have the choice of four transport options to reach their final destination. The quickest and easiest way to cover the 15-kilometer distance from Portland Airport to Downtown is to take a Portland Airport taxi or a private transfer. These provide the only direct and door-to-door service, while a Portland Airport transfer offers the additional benefit of fixed fares and guaranteed on-time pickups.
Portland has one of the most tourist-friendly public transport systems in the U.S. The main option is the Max Light Train service (Red Line) run by TriMet, which makes several stops in the downtown area during its 38-minute journey. Finally, late-night arrivals can make use of the Red Bus overnight service, which takes a little over an hour.
4 ways to get from Portland Airport to Downtown
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €93 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| A private transfer is ideal for first time visitors to the city who want to be welcomed by a friendly face with a proper introduction to the main sights and attractions. | ||||||
Taxi | €45 | 35min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Taxis are the best options for travelers with luggage who haven't booked a ride in advance. | ||||||
MAX Light Rail | €4.80 | 38min | 04:57–00:31 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're staying somewhere central and are traveling with a light suitcase, the train is an ideal option. | ||||||
Red Bus (Night Service) | €4.80 | 65min | 01:00–02:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The night bus is a budget-friendly option for small groups with light luggage. | ||||||
A Portland Airport taxi is one of the most convenient transport options from Portland Airport to Downtown Portland. On average, the journey takes between 20 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Four taxi companies (Broadway, Radio Cab, etc.) are permitted to operate from the airport, departing 24/7 from outside the main terminal.
Rides are metered, and vehicles can typically seat up to four passengers, although it’s also possible to book a cab in advance for a prepaid fee. Welcome Pickups also offers a pre-booked transfer service, with competitive pricing and guaranteed on-time pickups.
How much is a taxi from Portland Airport to Downtown?
Portland taxi drivers use taximeters to calculate their fares. The cab fare from Portland Airport to Downtown will depend on the total distance traveled, but should cost around $45 (€38.70) for up to four passengers.
It’s important to note that a $1.00 (€0.90) fee applies for each additional passenger, and tolls, surcharges, and tips are not included.
For a flat rate fee with no hidden extras, consider booking your transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Taxis at Portland Airport can be found inside Level 1 of the Short-Term Parking garage, in the Transportation Plaza. Simply follow the signs from the Baggage Claim area.
Convenience
Getting from Portland Airport to downtown by taxi is a very convenient way to travel, especially after a long flight. Whether you’re staying in the heart of the city center or on the outskirts of town, you can be dropped right at the door of your hotel. Bookings aren’t required, but be prepared for queues during peak periods.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn morePortland also has a great public transport network, allowing passengers to reach the city center quickly and affordably. You can catch the MAX Red Line light rail from Portland Airport to downtown in just 38 minutes, which is sometimes faster than taking a cab if you’re traveling during peak hours.
Operated by TriMet, the train makes 16 stops on the way to Pioneer Square North Station, the closest to Pioneer Courthouse Square.
How much is the train from Portland Airport to Downtown?
Getting from Portland Airport to Downtown by train will cost $2.80 (€2.40) per adult for a one-way ticket. Tickets can be paid for with cash or a card at the vending machines next to the platform, or you can tap on with a credit/debit card at the green Hop reader.
*If you plan on using public transport throughout your stay in Portland, consider buying a reloadable Hop card for $3 (€2.60) as you’ll then be eligible for discounted rides.
The Max Red Line service runs from 05:01 to 00:31 on weekdays, and 04:57 to 00:27 on weekends.
Where do I get the train from?
The MAX train station for the Red Line service is located on the lower level of the airport, next to the Baggage Claim area at the south end. Ticket kiosks are stationed within the Baggage Claim area, right by the exit.
Convenience
The Red Line train service from Portland Airport to Downtown is very affordable and fairly convenient, so long as you are traveling during the day. Trains are well-equipped to handle luggage, and you can often reach the city in the same time as a taxi. The downside is that, unless you’re staying within walking distance of a station in the city center, you’ll have to transfer to another train, which can be confusing, or take a taxi.
Timetables
Max Red Line Train Service Schedules
TriMet Journey Planner
Useful Tips
If you’re arriving outside the MAX light rail operating hours, but still want to travel on a budget, you’re in luck. For the same price as the train, you can travel to SW Morrison & 10th (the closest stop to Pioneer Square) on the 292 Red Bus. The journey takes a little over an hour, and there is limited luggage storage available on board.
How much does the night bus cost?
A one-way ticket on the night bus costs $2.80 (€2.40) per person. Tickets can be purchased the same way as you would a train ticket, in addition to paying with cash on board.
The service operates between 01:00 and 02:00.
Where does the bus depart from?
The bus departs from outside the Arrivals Hall. The pathway is well signposted from the Baggage Claim area.
Convenience
Although the bus doesn’t run continuously between scheduled trains, it provides another cheap alternative to taxis for late-night arrivals. The downside is, the journey takes twice as long, and unless you plan on taking a taxi once in the city center, you’ll need to make your way on foot with your luggage, which isn’t recommended if you’re a solo traveler.
Timetables
292 Red Bus Timetable
Portland Airport – Pioneer Square
Useful Tips
If you don’t fancy waiting in line or worrying about the price of your fare after a long flight, a private transfer is the best way to ensure a relaxing and comfortable journey. A Portland Airport transfer offers a fully customizable and personalized service that you can rely on at any time of day, with lots of added benefits such as:
When you book with Welcome, your ride will also include a mini tour of Portland city on the way to your destination. This is a great opportunity to speak to a local and ask for advice on what to see and do during your stay.
How much is a private transfer from Portland Airport to Downtown?
Unlike local Portland cabs, when you book a private transfer, you’ll know the cost of your fare upfront, with the reassurance that no extra fees will be added on top.
A transfer to Downtown Portland will cost $93 (€80.20) for up to 3 passengers in a stylish sedan, $104 (€89.70) for up to 6 passengers in an SUV, or $186 (€160.50) for up to 12 passengers in one of our spacious minivans.
Booking is simple and can be done either online or via the Welcome Pickups app. You’ll need to enter a few personal details, your flight information, and a pick-up time. Afterwards, you’ll be sent a bespoke quote for confirmation.
Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Portland Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Whether you disembark on the North or South side of the Portland Airport terminal, your driver will be waiting to greet you in the Arrivals Hall. If you’ve got heavy bags, no problem, your driver will gladly lend a hand on the way to your vehicle. All that’s left to do, is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
Convenience
While a private transfer costs more than a regular taxi, it’s still a very affordable means of transport, especially when you consider all the extra perks such as a city tour, English-speaking driver, and a 24/7 customer support team. Furthermore, since you’ll be given an upfront cost, you can budget for your trip accordingly.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Portland Airport to Downtown?
From Portland Airport to Downtown, a cab should cost around $45 (€38.70) for up to four passengers, not including tolls and surcharges.
On the other hand, Welcome Pickups can guarantee a flat rate price when you book this transfer in advance.
How do I get from the airport to downtown Portland?
There are four transport options between Portland Airport and Downtown. You can either take a taxi or private transfer service, or use the public transport, which involves taking the Max Light Train service (Red Line), or the 292 Night bus.
Is there public transportation from Portland Airport?
Wondering, is there a train from Portland Airport to Downtown? There sure is. The MAX light rail operates every 15-30 minutes between 08:00 and 22:00 and costs just $2.80 (€2.40) per adult. Between 01:00 and 02:00, there’s also a night bus service to the city center for the same price.
How far is Portland Airport from downtown Portland?
The distance from Portland Airport to Downtown is 15 kilometers (9 miles), and the journey takes about 35 minutes by taxi and private transfer – traffic dependent – or 38 minutes by light rail.
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